Section 7 coordination ensures that methods used by the Hydropower Division in preparing ESA biological opinions (involving mainstem Columbia basin hydropower activities) are consistent with methods used by other NOAA Fisheries Service divisions that evaluate habitat, harvest and hatchery activities. A particularly important function of Section 7 coordination is to link the effects of proposed actions, as identified by the FCRPS and FERC/Water Diversion Teams, so the likelihood that the continued existence of listed species will not be jeopardized. Section 7 coordination facilitates efforts to define the biological requirements of listed species (e.g., applying the general concept of "viable salmonid populations" to specific ESUs) and regional analytical for a that model the likelihood that proposed actions will achieve the needed level of improvement. The team also develops record-keeping and task-tracking systems and staff training programs.
Staff: Lynne Krasnow, Fisheries Biologist
Section 7 Regulations and Procedures
Sections 9 and 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibit "taking" listed species. Section 7 allows federal actions that may involve some take of listed species to proceed, providing that the take is incidental to the proposed action, and that the effect of the action does not jeopardize the continued existence of the species. Section 7 requires all federal agencies to conduct pro-active conservation programs and to consult with the NOAA Fisheries Service (or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) on the potential effects of their actions on any species listed under the ESA. The conclusions of formal consultations are documented in "biological opinions," issued by NOAA Fisheries Service for ESA-listed salmon and steelhead. Hydropower Division is responsible within the Northwest Region for Section 7 consultations and biological opinions related to operation of mainstem Snake and Columbia River dams.
The following links describe the Endangered Species Act, implementing regulations that govern NOAA Fisheries Service application of the ESA, background information on listed species considered in Hydropower Division ESA consultations, and other agency programs to contact for more ESA-related information.
The Endangered Species Act
NOAA Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Section 7 Consultation Handbook
Listed Salmon and Steelhead of the Pacific Northwest
Northwest Region Protected Resources Division
NOAA Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources
Analyses:
The Section 7 Team is responsible for ensuring that analyses of species-level effects of actions addressed in Hydropower Division biological opinions are consistent with regionally-developed life-cycle analyses. The analyses considered to date include the NOAA Cumulative Risk Initiative (CRI) Program, the joint state/federal/tribal Plan for Analyzing and Testing Hypotheses (PATH) program, and the Northwest Power Planning Council's Multi-Species Framework Process.
